recede over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recede over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or withdrawal of something, such as emotions, memories, or physical phenomena. Example: "As the years passed, the pain of loss began to recede over time, allowing her to find peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While skepticism about PrEP will undoubtedly recede over time, for the moment it remains strong.

The New Yorker

But aside from the influence of Mr. Gardner, which is bound to recede over time, what is the common ground for these participants and their puzzles?

The New York Times - Arts

By contrast, those participants who did not have access to regular and appropriate supervision found that their skills and their confidence levels could start to recede over time.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But many consumers tired of these flavors, and pervasive oakiness has receded over time.

The New York Times - Food

Merrill's reputation as a poet, which was enormous in the 1960s and '70s, has receded over time.

The New York Times - Books

This sea receded over time, leaving a large and flat coastal plain.

Wikipedia

This variability is exemplified by H. pylori infection, a gastric mucosal pathogen that comprises part of the "normal flora" in much of the developing world, but has receded over time in higher socioeconomic regions of the world.

Plosone

The rash would flood his skin and then recede, over and over, like an angry tide.

The New York Times

We see the bloom of early passion recede as over time the couple adjusts to new life priorities, struggling to maintain their intimacy and affection.

Huffington Post

"People change over time.

The New York Times

That problem, however, will probably recede with time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recede over time" when you want to emphasize the gradual nature of something diminishing or disappearing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, repeatedly using "recede over time" can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language with synonyms like "diminish with time" or "fade away gradually" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recede over time" functions as a verb phrase that typically modifies a noun, indicating a gradual decrease or withdrawal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, aligning with examples where phenomena, emotions, or influence diminish gradually.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recede over time" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that means something gradually diminishes or withdraws as time passes. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. Consider synonyms like "diminish with time" or "fade away gradually" to avoid repetition. Though not exceedingly common, it is a clear and effective way to describe gradual decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish with time

Focuses on the reduction in size, importance, or intensity as time passes.

fade away gradually

Emphasizes the slow disappearance or loss of something over a period.

wane with the passage of time

Highlights the decline or decrease in strength or influence as time progresses.

lessen over the years

Specifically refers to a reduction over a longer period, measured in years.

decline with age

Implies a decrease in quality or condition due to the aging process.

abate with time

Suggests a decrease in intensity or severity as time goes on.

subside in due course

Indicates a calming down or settling as time progresses.

ebb away gradually

Conveys a slow and steady decrease, similar to the receding tide.

peter out eventually

Suggests a gradual decrease to the point of complete disappearance.

dwindle in the long run

Refers to a decrease in size or amount over an extended period.

FAQs

How can I use "recede over time" in a sentence?

You can use "recede over time" to describe the gradual decrease or withdrawal of something, such as "As memories "recede over time", they become less vivid."

What are some alternatives to "recede over time"?

Alternatives include "diminish with time", "fade away gradually", or "wane with the passage of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "recede over time" or "decrease over time"?

"Recede over time" often implies a gradual withdrawal or distancing, while "decrease over time" is a more general term for reduction. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "recede over time" be used to describe both physical and abstract concepts?

Yes, "recede over time" can be used to describe both physical phenomena (e.g., floodwaters receding) and abstract concepts (e.g., memories or emotions receding).